A huge consideration for parents when choosing the kind of education for their child is the financial burden it will add to their family’s budget. Whether choosing between daycare, private or public school for older children, parents are faced with many choices to review. For one, you might ask yourself if it is expensive to enroll your child in a Montessori school. The average cost of childcare in the United States is rising. On average, Americans spend more than $10,000 a year on daycare. Comparatively, the average cost of full-time Montessori tuition is around $13,000. While a little higher, the investment in your child’s education and their future success is priceless.
Why is Montessori more expensive?
There are a few reasons why Montessori schools are more expensive:
- Montessori schools use high quality materials. The materials last many years, but an investment is required to ensure the materials can hold up to everyday wear and tear by eager children. Beautiful materials are also more attractive to children and help to engage them in learning.
- Teachers in a Montessori environment are highly qualified. In addition to traditional educational training, Montessori teachers obtain additional certifications to work in the highly specialized environment. In order to attract and retain quality educators, tuition is often higher to compensate them for their knowledge and experience.
- Schools often continue to invest in training teachers even after they are hired. The Montessori philosophy is all about cultivating the love of learning, so it should come as no surprise that teachers also want in on that fun. As humans, we should always be growing, so a school that invests in continued education for their teachers will pass that love of learning on to their students. This comes at an expense, but will help a school maintain a quality environment for their families.
Is Montessori worth it?
A high-quality education can set your child up for future success. Montessori schools are not only childcare that entertain children while their parents work. The schools are created to cater to the child’s needs and help them reach their full potential. Because the Montessori method focuses on the whole child, children in this environment learn not only academic skills, but also a variety of practical life and social skills that cultivate a well-rounded person. The teachers are educated on child development and how to best support and nurture the child as they grow. These principles set Montessori apart from other educational environments that may make the price worth it for your family.
While the investment in a Montessori education may seem daunting, many schools offer scholarships or grants to make their programs more accessible. If you don’t need full-time care, you may also wish to enroll in a part-time enrollment to save on some of the costs. The cost of tuition also varies greatly based upon the age of child, the number of children attending, the location of the school and the type of school (public, private or charter)
At Fountainhead Montessori, we offer a variety of program options. Contact us today if you would like more information about if an investment in a Montessori education is right for your family.
